There’s a good chance this is my final Phillip Fulmer column. I am old and he is going out the gate. Please forgive if it gets too personal.
I appreciate the idea of Phillip Fulmer Day. Friends and relatives and I can say goodbye and thanks for the good times. Shouldn’t cost much extra. Maybe there is a way to fudge some small gift from the retirement package.
Some of this I’ve said before. I’ve known Phillip for 40 years but I didn’t know him as a high school player in Winchester, hadn’t even heard of him until Ray Trail locked up with Alabama in a recruiting race. After that, I heard a lot.
Trail, line coach in the Doug Dickey era, was an exceptional traveling salesman. He hit small Southern towns like a husky cowboy straight out of the movies. His horse was a sporty orange Pontiac convertible, twin tailpipes, white top, white leather inside. His persona included a cowboy hat, cowboy boots and a big 75-cent cigar.
When Ray Trail rolled into Winchester, zoom, zoom, almost everybody knew Tennessee had arrived. They figured the Tide wasn’t going to get the local kid without a real, live shootout.
Trail said the recruitment shouldn’t have been that big a deal, that Fulmer was All-State but just an average high school star. Trail was surprised to learn Fulmer wanted to be a linebacker.
“He wanted to hear all about Tennessee’s linebacker tradition.”
Trail told me that Fulmer was a guard and wasn’t going to be a linebacker. Step slow. He didn’t bother Fulmer with such minor details.
Alabama turned up the heat. Paul “Bear” Bryant dispatched the two Tennesseans on his staff, defensive guru Ken Donahue and trainer Jim Goostree, to reel in Fulmer. Trail knew trouble when he saw it.
“I wasn’t so sure Phillip was ever going to Alabama but I decided it was time to take my best shot. I got him into this little room near the coaching office and I sat him down and explained the facts of life.
“If a Tennessee boy goes to Alabama and spends four good years, he’s still a Tennessee boy in a foreign land. Nothing special is going to happen to him. I said, ‘Phillip Fulmer, you are a Tennessee boy and if anything good is ever going to happen to you, it’s going to happen at the University of Tennessee.’ ”
Fulmer remembers the talk and the cigar smoke and how hard it was to breathe. He also remembers Trail telling him Bryant was about to retire and coach Dickey was forever. Fulmer decided that stuffy room was no place for a long-winded discussion. He bought the part about state loyalty. It helped him escape.
Fulmer signed with Tennessee. I met him as a freshman. I got acquainted with all freshmen, just in case their parents might want to purchase a newspaper subscription.
The more I saw of Phillip, the better I liked him. He was bright. Class act. He could play. He was a starter in ’71, co-captain, tough guard for Trail. Bill Battle was head coach. Dickey was long gone. Bryant was still going strong at Alabama.
Trail couldn’t recall ever saying Doug was long-term and Bear was about finished.
Phillip Fulmer was a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He came to our church to address young Cumberland Presbyterians. He was in our home, at our dining room table, and in our swimming pool, dunking our children. The Wests really liked this big, lovable Volunteer. Still do.
Fulmer went away for coaching experience. Johnny Majors offered a return ticket. Fulmer asked what I thought of the opportunity. I cautioned him, said Majors was terrific with players but a tough taskmaster for assistants. Fulmer accepted the job.
He grew and advanced. Now and then, he remembered what Trail had said in that recruiting pitch, “You are a Tennessee boy and if anything good is ever going to happen to you, it’s going to happen at the University of Tennessee.”
Well, as you know, it happened. He became head coach and a big winner. He achieved fame and fortune, honor and respect. National coach of the year. President of the coaches’ association. Positive influence. First Tennessee commercials. Father figure.
The years flew fast. The coach lost some hair. Lost some games. Took a hit from critics. Former players bought a rebuttal page and published a powerful letter of support. A little later, the coach somehow acquired a new and better contract. A little later, he got a pink slip. It hurt to watch him go when he wanted to stay. What remains is Phillip Fulmer Day.
There is a long-standing rule prohibiting applause in the old press box. I may break it Saturday, quietly, just for a minute, for old times’ sake.
Marvin West is a former sports editor of the Knoxville News Sentinel. He invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.
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Comments » 121
JeffBleedsOrange writes:
Thanks for everything Fulmer!
vols45 writes:
Finally, thye've published something worth reading. It's news and fit to print........that's an understatement for the c%$p that has been printed about coaches ex-wives, decomits, etc. You're a good man, Phillip Fulmer. It's just another time and change is desperately needed. Thanks for your loyalty to Tennessee and all the good things you have done. You will be richly blessed............and are already.
bugman (Inactive) writes:
i'll be 35 rows away waving him GOOD BYE!
volnbig11land writes:
Thanks for the loyalty, hardwork and championship CPF. I hope you stay on in some other role.
TommyJack writes:
Almost forgot what a good writer was West.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Marvin is actually a sports writer.
Best Wishes coach.
blitzshoot writes:
Thanks for sharing the story. I wish the best for the Fulmer household and I wish the best for you. It was
a great chapter in the Vol Football book.
mtnsvol44 writes:
Thanks Coach Fulmer for all your loyalty and dedication to the Vols and Gods speed.
utang1602#204610 writes:
Thank you for an excellent article.
Why do some people have such a hateful attitude? When it comes to talking about Fulmer, people revert to the maturity of a preschooler. I'm convinced that years from now, the same people will still be complaining.
You've gotten what you wanted—Fulmer is leaving. Grow up and be respectful to a man that gave far more to this university than most people ever will.
NO_DIGGITY writes:
Marvin West and Tom Siler were two of the best. They had a way of being fair and critical without having an agenda like sportswriters today.
tennvol writes:
Mr. West,
Thank you for reminding us what good sports writing is. This was a refreshing change from the usual National Enquirer style to which we have become acustomed.
tnbigg writes:
Agree. He was one of the best from KNS. He did a great job with this column too...
OrangePossum writes:
THANKS FOR THE GOOD MEMORIES COACH. YOU ARE WHAT TENNESSEE FOOTBALL IS ALL ABOUT!!! GOOD LUCK SATURDAY, LET'S GO OUT AND HAMMER THOSE KITTY CATS!!!
gslaton#227127 writes:
Nice read, Marvin. Phil Fulmer is a class act. Always has been. I read an interesting article in the Orlando paper today (I live in the area)about whether or not there could be another Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden in today's college football. With $3 million contracts and '10+ wins or else' edicts, five years will be a long run in the future. We will miss Phil Fulmer. I, too, hope he will represent UT in some fashion. Though it was your time to go, Coach, you will not be forgotten. All the best. Thanks for the memories.
allvol9 writes:
Great story. Saturday will be an emotional day for all. I wish nothing but the best for Coach Fulmer and his family. Doubt that he will...but I hope he stays on campus in some capacity.
ctownvol writes:
Well written. Can we stop hating Coach Fulmer now? The man is stepping down. I know we, Volunteer fans, all want the same thing. A win on Saturday. Then we can start looking to the future and put this season behind us. I wish Coach Fulmer the best in whatever he does next. We can bash him for his coaching style or whatever else people may find wrong with him, but nobody can deny that the man loved his state, and his university.
SemperVol writes:
Great article!
Thank you coach, you will always be a Tennessee boy at heart, right? You gave me much to look forward to the past 17 years even if there were questions surrounding the team. God bless you and your family....you all did it right.
Mr. West,
You, sir, have written the best article on here in a long, long time...bar none.
rccheek#205272 writes:
Make Phil the President! That will put a stop to the president's wife insulting big donors. It is just a PR job anyway and he would be fine.
SewaneeVolFAn writes:
Great article about a wonderful coach and a wonderful man.
shipperman#280095 writes:
First of all, I agree with the article, and i wish Phil the best. But yes he will be richly blessed with 6 million smackers too
leedsvol2007 writes:
Amen!
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
U.T. IS LIKE THE WHITE HOUSE ,CHANGE EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY . THEY HAVE HAD THEIR HEADS UP THEIR AZZ LONG ENOUGHT .
rthestar#368358 writes:
ATTENTION TRUE TN. fans and especially the KNS staff excepting the very fine mind & skills of Mike Strange.THIS IS WHAT ARTICLA WRITING IS ALL ABOUT...try it and of course FIRE the leader Neg MCNEG-adams....WELL done Mr West you put the others to shame...
ktownvol writes:
It's going to be a sad day Saturday -- we may not realize what we had until he's gone, he's a TRUE Vol through and through! It is a business, but I think so many of the "nay sayers" are back peddling once they saw the human side of Phillip Fulmer and witnessed first hand the pain it caused and the love he is STILL able to have for the Big Orange through his pain. Clean program, class act -- can't say that about too many coaches these days! We'll miss you Coach!!
COVolsFan writes:
A wonderful article.
VolMoment writes:
Thanks Marvin, you are a class act just like Phil. We should not forget what a great Tennessee man Phil is and will always be. What ever his failures were in losing games does not diminish his loyality and desire for success for the football program and all athletics at UT. Its over and all "true Tennessee fans" will always respect him, he is one of us!
drum45 writes:
Thanks Coach! After Saturday....we will no longer have any Tennessee connection to our Football Program....how sad!
Volfan1 writes:
Thank you, Mr. West, for a fine article. You reminded us what true journalism is about.
Adams couldn't carry your ink pen. Mr. West, if you can find the fountain of youth, take a big drink, and come back to the KNS replacing Adams.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Excellent read. He obviously saw a side to Coach Fulmer that many of us have not had the opportunity to see.
Though I still think UT made the right call (regardless of what the next several years look like), I'm even more convinced that Coach Fulmer's coaching days are not over. He'll land somewhere else within 2 years.
Good luck, Coach.
eefor10c writes:
Thank you for the article Mr. West. You along with Mr Siler were the best two sports writers that this town has seen. Unlike Adams, Pennington, and most of the rest of his crew you reported the facts without letting your bias, if you had one, show. You did not make the article about you or try to push your agenda. Thank you for that. I hope adams reads this and realizes what a low life he is. Of course that will never happen.
eutefan writes:
Marvin's column appears weekly in the Halls-Fountain City Shopper newspaper. Always a good read.
FLAVOLS writes:
First of all, Marvin West is a treasure.
Secondly, Thank You Coach Fulmer!!
Lastly, I get tired of people commenting all the time about Fulmer's buyout clause. There is no way that anyone commenting would Ever turn that down if it had been offered to them. If you want to blame someone, go to Mike Hamilton.
golfballs03 writes:
Oh boo hoo! Give me a break. Fulmer is gone and it's not a moment too soon. I'm glad we won't have to continue sacrificing our football program for the sake of one man. He wore his welcome out by losing control of the team and treating this job as his birthright. This isn't Fat Phil's personal kingdom and we certainly aren't beholden to anyone, especially him. Thanks for the National Championship, but now it's time to retire to the estate UT has provided you - surely you can be appreciative of that!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
Well said ctownvol. Coach Fulmer gave us/me a lot of great memories. Good luck, and stay involved with the University you gave you all to!
GO VOLS! BEAT KENTUCKY!!!
FLAVOLS writes:
Dothan Vol has had too many Bammers in his ear for too long is what it sounds like. Or maybe he knows it all like many posters on here do.
Hang tough Dothan! The Bammers will soon have another Vol coach to hate.
FWBVol writes:
Yes, Fulmer ran a clean program. Was it squeaky clean? No, not by a long shot. But everyone is investigated by the NCAA and it's almost impossible not to have some sort of minor violation with the 40,000 or so (note sarcasim) rules the NCAA has out there.
Throwing Alabama under the bus, other coaches were in on it too. And under the NCAA rules, if a coach knows of another school committing violations and don't report them then technically the non reporting coach or school is guilty too. Sort of like the old honor system in college, even if you don't cheat, but you know someone is cheating, you can get nailed for knowing and not saying anything.
That said, Marvin West hits a home run with his personal insights into Phillip Fulmer and his history with the University.
smokyredbone writes:
unvolindothan> BLOW IT OUT YOUR AZZ!!!! DON'T COME ON HERE ON DISRESPECTING CPF YOU IDIOT! MUST BE YOUR LIVING IN BAMMER THATS SHRUNK YOUR BRAIN BOY,BUT CPF IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN A CLASS ACT!!!! GO BIG ORANGE!!
Vol13 writes:
Just a pathetic display of bitterness by West. Nobody has questioned Fulmer being a genuinely good guy. But that has nothing to do with his ability to coach football at UT. The FACT is that he was no longer effective against the better teams in the SEC and a change had to be made. Put your personal feelings aside and move forward.
FLAVOLS writes:
Wow! Vol13? Who's the bitter one?
Vol13 writes:
VolNDothan is dead on with his comments. If Fulmer truly loved UT, he would have stepped down 3 years ago when it was apparent where this thing was headed. If he truly loved UT then he would walk away with a prorated portion of the buyout. If he truly loved UT then he wouldn't be acting like such a spoiled brat about his ouster behind the scenes. Be thankful that this big soap opera is about to come to an end. Good riddance!
byobbio writes:
I've not always been a Fulmer supporter. I just didn't like the way he was thrust into the spotlight as permanent head coach in place of Majors regardless of the circumstances. I didn't have a problem with him, just didn't like the way it went down with Majors. But, as I watched the games, the spirit and the never-ending relentless passion for the game, for tennessee football, I grew to love coach Fulmer. Funny how things come full circle i guess. I will probably love the new coach, but it looks like he won't have the same passion for Tennessee football. It's just another person wearing orange. Saturday will be a sad day for me. Not because we're getting a new coach. I can handle that. It's because I am watching a team that was poised for a big turnaround the way it is supposed to happen. I really think next year would be another break-out year for Tennessee. And it would have been under Fulmer's guidance. This team would finally be an All-Fulmer team, with his chosen staff. But, it's not meant to be. I can't wait 'til next year just like every other UT football fan. But this year, it hurts extra special.
tnvolgrad00 writes:
Nice article, hope it is really the last one about Fulmer. Be glad when the KY game has come and passed. Tired of holding on to the old coach. It's like we are lost on memory lane and forgot all about those big losses to the big three the past few years. Look fans, like Fulmer all you want, but if he wasn't so hard headed and was smart enough to figure out that his coaching philosophy is out dated, he still might have a coaching job. He got lucky in '98 and back stabbed Johnny to even get the job. Also, any of you that like Doug Dickey, well, he left us for Florida after we won the SEC the year before. Hell with him too, trader. Can't wait til Monday when Tennessee football will rise again. You guys send ole Phil out with a smile, I will be back next year when this circus is over and beating alabama, georgia, and florida becomes priority again. I guess we forget easy, but I am a real fan and care more about my program, yes my program, since I am a graduate, than some lazy old coach that is washed up. One day you guys will realize that this was way overdue. Wait til Kiffin beats all three next year. When that happens, no one will care about Fulmer. See ya coach, let us know if you need help packing. Finally our program can't get back to prominance instead of honoring a washed up, below average coach. Go Vols in 2009. Now it's time to cheer Pearl and Pat's troops.
rllipscomb#212376 writes:
Thanks for a well written article and for putting some things into perspective.
I am a 55 year old Vol who attended UT at the same time Fulmer did. I am not smart enough to know whether Fulmer should have been released or retained. I am wise enough to know that Fulmer was 100% Oranage and a class act. Not once in 17 years did I ever worry about headlines about a death penalty for the prgram or Fulmer waking up in a hotel room with a hooker.
Some posters will just never get it.
Being a UT alumnus or a Big Orange fan is not a guarantee for championships or even a winning season every year. It is a right to pull for your team in good times or bad. If you can't be happy pulling for The Big Orange in bad times, you will never fully appreciate a championship, or even a simple winning season.
Phil Fulmer can be on my team any time.
Vol13 writes:
Hey Butchy, you left some stats out. I'm sure it was just an accident on your part. No big deal. Here you go:
Johnny Majors' record last 6 seasons (1987 - 1992)
49-17-3 (.732)
3-1 in bowl games
3 major bowl appearances (Cotton, Sugar, and Fiesta)
2 SEC championships
Final AP poll rankings: 14, NR, 5, 8, 14, N/A (only coached 8 games)
Phil Fulmer's record last 6 seasons
48-27 (.640)
2-3 in bowl games
0 major (BCS) bowl appearances
0 SEC championships
Final AP poll rankings: 15, 13, NR, 25, 12, NR
Losses to unranked teams 6 years in a row
7 consecutive seasons with 3 or more losses (9 out of last 10)
4 year records immediately following national championship:
- Fulmer ranks 57th out of 77 national champions since 1936
- Fulmer ranks 17th out of last 19 national champions
Overall record 2005 - 2008: 27-21 (.438)
Overall record 2002 - 2008: 55-32 (.632)
SEC games 2005 - 2008: 15-16 (.484)
SEC East games 2005 - 2008: 9-9 (.500)
6-13 (.316) vs. Ranked Teams 2005 - present
3-8 (.273) vs. ranked SEC teams at home: 2002 - present
Lost 8 out of last 11 games vs. ranked teams, 9 out of last 13, and 12 out of last 17 (7 of those 12 losses were by double digits)
2006 Vol rushing defense gave up more yards per carry (4.70) than any Vol team since UTAD begin keeping the stats in 1951
Consecutive seasons without SEC title: 10
Consecutive seasons without BCS bowl: 9
Consecutive seasons without top 10 ranking: 7
Seasons excluded from AP and/or Coaches Top 25: 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008
Seasons with 3 or more losses: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Seasons with 4 or more losses: 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Seasons with 5 or more losses: 2002, 2005, 2008
Seasons with multiple losses to unranked teams: 2003, 2005, 2008
Consecutive seasons with a loss in last two games of season: 9
Seasons with double digit postseason loss: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
UT SEC Titles
1933 - 1939 2
1940 - 1949 2
1950 - 1959 2
1960 - 1969 2
1970 - 1979 0
1980 - 1989 2
1990 - 1999 3
2000 - 2008 0
Longest intervals without SEC title:
1. 1970 - 1984 (Bill Battle was fired)
2. 1999 - current
3. 1957 - 1966 (Bowden Wyatt was fired)
4. 1991 - 1996 (Majors was fired)
5. 1933 - 1937 (SEC formed in 1933 - Neyland was away in 1935)
5. 1941 - 1945 (Neyland was away during WWII - no team in 1943)
7. 1947 - 1950
7. 1952 - 1955 (Neyland retired after 1952)
9. 1986 - 1988
10. 1968
SEC titles since 1998:
LSU 3
FL 2
GA 2
AUB 1
AL 1
TN 0
Since 1998, 50 out of 121 games (41.3%) have been losses to unranked teams, games the Vols were not competitive in, or narrow victories over "weak" teams.
Vol13 writes:
Here are some more for you to enjoy.
Non-competitive games
1. 1999 NEB 31 TN 21
2. 2000 GA 21 TN 10 (1)
3. 2000 KSU 35 TN 21
4. 2001 LSU 31 TN 20 (2)
5. 2002 FL 30 TN 13
6. 2002 AL 34 TN 14
7. 2002 Miami 26 TN 3
8. 2002 MD 30 TN 3
9. 2003 AUB 28 TN 21 (3)
10. 2003 GA 41 TN 13
11. 2003 CLEM 27 TN 14
12. 2004 AUB 34 TN 10
13. 2004 AUB 38 TN 28 (4)
14. 2005 GA 27 TN 14 (5)
15. 2005 ND 41 TN 21
16. 2006 ARK 31 TN 14
17. 2006 PSU 20 TN 10 (6)
18. 2007 CAL 45 TN 31 (7)
19. 2007 FL 59 TN 20
20. 2007 AL 41 TN 17
21. 2008 FL 30 TN 6
"Cliffhanger" wins vs. "weak" teams (see footnotes also)
1. 1999 TN 17 Memphis 16
2. 2000 TN 19 Southern Miss 16
3. 2000 TN 19 Memphis 17
4. 2000 TN 28 Vandy 26
5. 2001 TN 38 KY 35
6. 2003 TN 34 Marshall 24 (8 )
7. 2003 TN 23 SC 20 (9)
8. 2003 TN 23 Duke 6 (10)
9. 2004 TN 21 Miss 17
10. 2004 TN 38 Vandy 33
11. 2004 TN 37 KY 31
12. 2005 TN 17 UAB 10
13. 2005 TN 20 Memphis 16
14. 2006 TN 31 Air Force 30
15. 2006 TN 17 KY 12 (11)
16. 2007 TN 25 Vandy 24
17. 2008 TN 13 N. Illinois 9
SEC teams that Fulmer has a winning record vs. the current head coach: KY, Vandy, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State
10-22 (.313) 1999 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB
8-21 (.276) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB
6-20 (.231) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
6-18 (.250) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB
4-15 (.211) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
6-12 (.333) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA
4-11 (.267) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA excluding games vs. Zook
3-6 (.333) 2000 - present vs. GA
8-18 (.308) vs. Top 10 teams 1999 - present
1-8 (.111) vs. Top 10 teams at home 2000 - present
6-16 (.273) vs. Top 10 teams 2000 - present
20-27 (.426) vs. Ranked Teams 1999 - present
11-20 (.355) vs. Ranked Teams 2002 - present
3-5 (.375) Bowl games since 1998 (all losses were by double digits)
3-8 (.273) Postseason record since 1998 including SECCG (all losses were by double digits except for 2007 SECCG)
Losses To Unranked Teams:
2008 Wyoming 13 TN 7
2008 UCLA 27 TN 24
2007 AL 41 TN 17
2006 PSU 20 TN 10
2005 Van 28 TN 24
2005 SC 16 TN 15
2008 Wyoming 13 TN 7
Vol13 writes:
byobbio:
I don't know how many games the 2009 Vols will win or lose. But I do know that they won't be as talented as this year's version was. I don't agree that 2009 is a breakout year. Not with the other teams in this league.
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
It is most unfortunate that the local media writers could not match Phillip's achievements. It must be difficult to produce anything worthwhile when you are restricted to criticism and denigration of an activity. It proves again that some people will do anything for a buck.
Vol13 writes:
When I click on this link, I see a program that is 24th in the nation and 5th in the SEC over the course of the last 5 years - and slipping further back. Unless you are incredibly ignorant, or do not understand that all teams played the same competition (SEC anyway and the five ahead of us all have a winning record vs. us)and the non SEC schools had a much easier schedule, than there is no spin that can put lipstick on one of the country's largest downfalls runs..
Those of you that are blinded by your man crush on Fulmer have an agenda. Whatever your problem let it go.
http://football.stassen.com/cgi-bin/r...
FLAVOLS writes:
AHHHHHH! That's the smell of the hopelessly deluded who (including I) think that anything but money matters. You win you make money. You don't you're out. That's what it all comes down to in the end in any business.
No matter what, I still appreciate Coach Fulmer for his dedication to his university and wish him the best.
Go Vols!
byobbio writes:
I would have to stop and think who we would lose on this team that will cause a drop in talent. But, i certainly don't think there will be. We have the outstanding sophs all back, and would have had a stellar recruiting class coming in. And, the key would be a well-versed offensive scheme that would be fluid among the players and coaches. We would have been a great team, IMO. Whoever's coming in will inherit a gold mine. THis is why my theory is that we'll be getting Lane Kiffin. HE won't change the offense that much and can use the talent we have and the talent we might have coming in. Those other guys run the spread and i don't think Hamilton is wanting to go that route. Funny how he never really played football, but it's up to him what kind of coach/offense we have coming in. Maybe he'll consult with the new Associate AD (Fulmer).
BYOBBIO
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